13 JUNE
But I want it Now!
‘It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.’ Lamentations 3:26
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Nehemiah 4:1–23
Observe the need of such a word as this. It is much like the design of the parable which our Lord delivered to encourage us to pray earnestly and not to faint. The reasons arise:
(i) partly from the manner of his dispensation—he has promised to hear and answer—but it is likewise his pleasure to exercise our faith and patience. He seldom carries on his work any other way. When he promised Israel deliverance, he permitted Pharaoh to double his opposition. When he set them upon rebuilding the temple, he permitted their enemies to interrupt them. So when he stirs up a soul to seek his salvation, he seems at times to hide his face; their fears prevail, and their ease seems to grow worse. Yet his purpose stands good, and he tells them it is good for them both to hope and quietly wait.
(ii) partly from the tendency of our spirits to impatience and unbelief. A convinced sinner seeks mercy, but he must have it immediately; he can brook no delay, and is often brought to say or think, Wherefore should I wait any longer?
FOR MEDITATION:
The lion that on Sampson roared,
The world and Satan join their strength,
And thirsted for his blood;
To fill their souls with fears;
With honey afterwards was stored,
But crops of joy they reap at length,
And furnished him with food.
From what they sow in tears.
Believers, as they pass along,
Afflictions make them love the Word,
With many lions meet;
Stir up their hearts to prayer;
But gather sweetness from the strong,
And many precious proofs afford,
And from the eater, meat.
Of their Redeemer’s care.
The lions rage and roar in vain,
The lions roar but cannot kill,
For JESUS is their shield;
Then fear them not, my friends,
Their losses prove a certain gain,
They bring us, though against their will,
Their troubles comfort yield.
The honey JESUS sends.
SERMON: LAMENTATIONS 3:26 [2/3]
Milo 